The economy may not be in good shape in Iceland, but that does not mean you have to ignore the beauty and charm that its capital city can bring to weary travelers. Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital is a destination for tourists who seek for a combination of tradition and eccentricity. The city may populated by the most darkly cynical people in the world, but they are brimming with creativity and enthusiasm for life. The summers are occupied with 22-hour daylights and the winters are scoured by never-ending nights.

Reykjavik possesses Old Town innocence and the energy of the Big City. You can find everything you can see in a large 21st-century European city: the cozy cafés, fine restaurants, and great museums. But the city can also offer what some cities in Europe would lack: geothermal pools, a kicking yet eccentric music and fashion scene, as well as its excessive weekend barhops around hip and superstylish clubs and bars.

Not to mention that you can experience all of that along the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, surrounded by a cold and clean air, as well as majestic volcanic surroundings.

When getting around Reykjavik, you may want to visit the Old Town first. The houses here have very distinct features, as most of them have brightly colored corrugated metal sidings. You can also meet with the locals surrounding Tjörnin Lake, also known as Reykjavik Pond, where the city hall is located. Bring some bread as you feed the ducks wading through the waters. Close to the lake is the Alþingi (Althingi), the country’s parliament building. Head to the rotating restaurant called The Perlan for fantastic views from the top.

You can also go museum hopping, starting at the National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands). Its in-house restaurant also provides a breathtaking view of the city. The museum lets visitors in for free on Wednesdays. Next is the Culture House (Þjóðmenningarhúsið), which contains important collections of medieval manuscripts, including the oldest copies of the Icelandic Sagas, as well as an impressive exhibition on the Volcanic Island of Surtsey.

At nighttime, Reykjavik’s other persona comes to life. The city is considered to have some of the best nightlife in Europe, and it can be quite costly as drinking here is expensive. If you want to save some bucks, buy alcohol at government-owned liquor stores and stay at home drinking with friends.